Political Purpose awards gives Rishi the wooden spoon
The Political Purpose Awards returned for its second year, held in partnership with Ecotricity. London Mayor Sadiq Khan received the Pollution, Waste, and Air Award for his significant role in expanding the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) across all London boroughs
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “I’m delighted to accept this award in recognition of the huge progress we’ve made in cleaning up London’s toxic air with the worlds’ largest clean air zone. Air pollution is an issue of social and racial justice, prematurely taking the lives of around 4,000 Londoners each year and disproportionately affecting those in deprived communities. Expanding the ULEZ London-wide was not an easy decision, but it was the right one— and it’s working even better than expected. Everyone deserves to breathe clean air and I won’t stop taking action to continue to build a greener, fairer and safer London for everyone.”
The Rt Hon John Gummer, Lord Deben, won the Lifetime Achievement Award for his unwavering dedication to environmental causes, including more than ten years of service as Chair of the UK’s independent Climate Change Committee (CCC).
Labour MP Ruth Jones won the Animal Welfare Award for her vocal support of bans for trophy hunting imports and animal welfare legislation throughout the past year.
Green Party peer Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb won the Rivers and Seas Award for her efforts in holding the government accountable for sewage pollution.
Labour MP Alex Sobel won the Habitats, Biodiversity and Green Spaces Award for introducing the Climate and Nature Bill, which seeks to formalise government targets on climate and nature recovery and establish an advisory Climate and Nature Assembly.
Ed Miliband won the Green Energy and Renewables Award for introducing pivotal policies in his first month as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, including creating GB Energy, lifting the ban on new onshore wind turbines, authorising three large solar farms, and establishing a unit to advance Labour’s 2030 decarbonisation goal.
Kirklees Council won the Green Council of the Year Award for its climate action plan, investments in renewable energy, and efforts to enhance local green spaces.
The panel of judges awarded former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak a wooden spoon for rolling back key climate policies during his time in office. This was presented by Dale Vince. This award is given to politicians who have consistently delayed, obstructed, or opposed progress on environmental issues.
The awards were closed by Dale Vince OBE, green energy industrialist and Founder of Ecotricity who emphasised the importance of politicians campaigning on environmental issues.
Commenting at the awards, Dale Vince OBE said:
“At a time when Britain and the world faces unprecedented environmental challenges, it’s important to recognise and celebrate the politicians who are making a difference. The Political Purpose Awards spotlight the leaders who are making a tangible difference. It’s inspiring to see figures like Ed Miliband and Sadiq Khan driving meaningful change and Lord Deben’s lifelong commitment to the environment is a powerful reminder that political will is crucial in our journey towards a sustainable future. These awards are not just about honouring achievements – they’re about inspiring continued action and leadership in the critical years ahead.”
Also in attendance was Baroness Sue Hayman of Ullock, Barry Gardiner MP, Will McCallum, Co-Executive Director of Greenpeace, Deputy Mayor of London Leonie Cooper, Former Green Party MP Caroline Lucas, Fleur Anderson MP and Chris Packham.
